Consumers give glass green light: LIWF 2008

Published: 23 July, 2008

Harpers reveals exclusive research into consumers' green concerns.

UK consumers see glass bottles as by far the most environmentally friendly form of wine packaging, according to new Wine Intelligence research that will be revealed at today's Harpers Debate at the London International Wine Fair (LIWF).

Not only is glass their preferred choice, it is also not seen to be an issue when it comes to recycling or packaging compared to other food and drink categories.

Wine Intelligence, which is co-hosting the wide-ranging debate, will also reveal today that, while awareness in the UK of organic (70%) and Fairtrade wines (65%) is up on previous figures, it is way behind that of organic (85%) and Fairtrade food (81%).

David Cox, managing director of wines-Europe at Brown-Forman, will ask how important organic wine will be for UK consumers in light of Wine Intelligence research that shows only 26% of people bought organic wine in the last year, compared to 50% who had bought organic food.

Former Waitrose buyer, Susan McCraith MW, managing director of The Ethical Wine Company, will likewise assess the opportunities for Fairtrade wine in the UK, given that over half those surveyed had bought Fairtrade food products, but only 30% Fairtrade wine.

Tesco wine development manager, Pierpaolo Petrassi, will set out the major environmental issues for its customers.

Richard Hitchcock, operations and marketing director at Bottle Green, one of the UK's biggest advocates of wine in Tetrapak, will look at the future of non-glass packaging.

Other speakers include Neil Barker, commercial director, UK - Fosters EMEA, who will ask if organic and Fairtrade alternative packaging will encourage trading up; Kevin Ecock, founder of WineNet, who will look at green trends in Ireland; and Steve Kelsey, managing director of P13 Design, who will discuss how best to drive alternative wine packaging.